Timing control system



n.; p/s la Y c` d i Feb., 4g @947. G, E, UNDY 2,415,395

TIMING CONTROL SYSTEM Filed April 7, 1945 @mi S2 INI/E1 TOR @asfay Irl/755.

A TTORNE YS.

Patented Feb. 4, 1947 TIMING CONTROL SYSTEM Gustav E. Undy, Detroit, Mich., assignor, by to Weltronic Company, Oakland County, Mich.,

mesne assignments,

Southfield Township, a corporation of Michi gall Application April 7, 1943, Serial No. 482,113

(Cl. Z50-27) 16 Claims.

to ow between an alternating current supply circuit and a load circuit, particularly a welding circuit, in a succession of pulses, each pulse comprising a precisely predeterminable fraction of each of a correspondingly precisely predeterminable number of half cycles of the source; to provide such an arrangement wherein the intervals between successive pulses are correspondingly and precisely controlled; to provide such an arrangement wherein the number of pulses in a vparticular succession may be accurately and variably controlled.

With the above as Well as other and more detailed objects in view, which appear in the following description and in the appended claims, a

preferred but illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawing in which the sole figure is a diagrammatic representation of a welding control system embodying the invention.

It will .be appreciated from a complete understanding of the present invention that the improvements thereof may be embodied in control systems intended for many diiierent purposes, It

is now preferred to utilize the invention in connection with resistance welding control apparatus, and in an illustrative but not in a limiting sense the invention is so disclosed herein.

In certain of its aspects, the present invention is directed to improvements upon or modifications of the inventions described and claimed in Collom Patents Nos. 2,289,321 and 2,295,685, granted, respectively, July r1, 1942 and September 15, 1942, and Undy applicationy Serial No. 42,922,

med July 18, 1941.

Referring to the drawing, the illustrative electrodes l and l2 of a spot welding machine are shown as connected to the secondary winding of 'a usual Welding transformer WT. The primary winding of the welding transformer is provided with a usual shunt resistor WR, and is connected across the source of supply represented by the line conductors LI and L2, in series relation with a pair of reversely connected electric valves MVI and MVZ. Valves MVI and MV2 may be variously constructed, but are preferably of the type sold commercially under the trade name Ignitrons. As will be understood, these valves have rectifying properties, and, while being normally non-conductive may be rendered conductive during half cycles of the source in which the anodes a .thereof are positive. When so rendered conductive, they remain so for the balance of the corresponding half cycles of current ow. The ignition or firing of these Valves is accomplished by applying an igniting potential between the igniters z' and the cathodes c thereof.

The just-mentioned igniting potentials for the main rectiers MVI and MV2 are applied thereto through a pair of associated firing valves V8 and V9, the principal electrodes whereof are coupled between the anodes and igniters of the corresponding named rectifiers, all in a known manner. The valves V8 and V9 are normally nonconductive, and are supplied with negative bias voltages through corresponding full wave rectiiiers V13 and VM. In order to render valves V8 and V9 conductive so as to re the corresponding main rectifiers, transformers T14 and TIS are associated with the grid circuits in such relation that when energized they overcome the just mentioned biases.

As previously mentioned, the system provides for the delivery to the welding transformer of successions of pulses of current, each comprising predetermined fractions or portions of a predetermined number of half cycles of the source. In the present instance, the point in each such half cycle at which the ring of the main rectiers occurs is controlled by a pair of so-called heat-control valves V6 and Vl, the grids whereof are supplied with igniting potentials through corresponding transformers Tl2 and T13 and'associated phase shift circuits comprising condensers C9 and C40, and resistors RIZ through RIT. These phase shift circuits will be recognized as being similar to those described in detail in the aforesaid 'Undy application, Serial No. 402,922.

In the illustrated arrangement, each pulse of A.conduction through valve VI. described below, Yterminates the y,corresponding pulse: of .current to the welding circuit.

' When, however,

3 welding current is made up of equal numbers of positive and negative half cycles of the source, which feature is provided by a pair of timing valves VI and V2. The timing valve Vl also serves to initiate each succession of impulses, under the influence of a selectively operable starting switch, illustrated as being a push button P. The push button P serves to apply anode voltage to the valve Vl so as to enable it to initially pass currentl at a point in a positive half cyclewhich is determined by a vtransformer T3 preferably of the peaking type. The transformer T3 is associated with the grid circuit of valve VI and is provided with adjustable phase shift elements comprising the resistor` RI and condenser CI, which, as will be understood, maybe setto cause valve VI to become vconductive at aprecisely predeterminable point `in successive positive half cycles of the source. The anode circuits vof valves Vl and V are connected in series relation with each other and also include Ythe previously mentioned firing transformer Tl 4.

The other timing valve V2 is arranged .as-hereinafter described to pass current in each negative 'half -cycle lwhich succeeds a positive half cycle infwhich valve Vi has passedcurrent. The anode circuit of valve V2 is connected inffseries with valve -V'i and transformer TIE. l

' In accordance with the arrangementv of lsaid Collom Patent No. 2,295,635, valve `Vl yis provided with `an lintegrating circuit `comprising condenser Cifwhich becomes efectiveat the conclusion of gthepredetermined number `of positive half cycles to be included iinfeach Vpulse-to interrupt further This action, as

In the present instance, valve V3 anditsasso- .ciated'timing elements comprising condenser C6 function to unlock-valve V i at the conclusionof each interval between successive'pulses, whereby to again render-valve Vl conductive-and initiate theneXt succeeding pulse.

In the present-arrangement, further integratingmeans, comprising the `counting valve Vand -'theassociated .period controlling valve V4, lare `*providedto variably determine thel overall number of pulses to be-included `in afparticular lsuccession ci pulses. `The anode circuit 4oi valve Vfllis connected in series with the Aanode circuits of "valves Vl VandYV. So long, therefore, as ivalve 'Vdis conductive,- themain rectier MVl`may be fired under the control of `valveszVi and`Vi. as described below, vthe: desired `numberofpulses has'been deliveredtozthe welding circuit, valve Vl is blockedginterrupting the further lfiring of the main rectiiier 'MVL The "trailing timingvalve V2y is subject torcon'trol'by ther period Avalve V4 and consequently when valve V is blocked, further firing of the-trailing valve V2, and Yconsequently'further'riringof the companion main rectifier MV2,'is also interrupted.

Preferably, vthe above mentioned valves VI, V2,

Iva, vaya-vs, and vi are ofthe `usual three @1ement gas-filled discontinuous'control type, which, as willlbe understood, arenormallynon-conductivefbutmay be rendered vconductive by applying igniting potentials to the grids thereofduring `half -cycles jofthe source in which the -anodes thereof are positive. When -so renderedfconductive, they Vremain so for the corresponding half cycle of current iiow.

V.In laddition Vto3theabove mentioned valves,` the present system utilizes a series of usual rectiiiers 4 Vit, Vi I, and VIZ and a pair of usual gas filled discharge devices V15 and VIE.

It is believed that the remaining details of the system may best be understood from the description of the operation thereof. Assuming it is desired to condition the welding system for operation, the illustrative line switches LS! and LSE may be closed, which action energizes the lin-e conductors LI and L2 from a conventional alternating current source. Closure of the justmentioned switches completes obvious energizing circuits for the primary windings oftransformers Ti and CT. The secondary terminals of Itransformer' CT bear1 the reference character r,

and it will be understood that upon being energized `this transformer applies energizing current to the lament transformers associated with `if 'desired, usual interlocking means may be provided to delay the actual initiation of the welding operation for a period sufficient to allow the filaments of these valves to reach emissive temperatures. Such means is not shown in the drawing, in order to simplify the same. -The energi'zation of transformer rCT also applies energizing current to the phase shift transformers TZ and Tl associated withfthe heat control valves V6 and V'l. It will be noted that ythese transformers are provided with center tapped secondary windings, the centertaps being directly connected to the cathodesof valves V6 .and'V'l respectively. The end terminals of the secondary windings of transformers Tl2 and Ti 3 are coupled to the grids of valves V- and V1, r'espectively,

through bridge circuits. vThe bridge circuit associated with valve V6 includes in series the condenser C and resistors RIZ, R53 and RM. The bridge circuit for valve V'! includes condenser Cii .and resistors RES, Rit and Rlfi. The connection between the. grid of valve V5 and resistor R52 i-s adjustable, and'it will be appreciated that this connection .may be made so .as to cause the phase of the voltage between ,the l[grid andthe cathode of valve V6 to bear any desired relation to the voltage of the welding circuit. Similar comments apply to `the phase relation between the grid-cathode voltage of valve V1 and the voltage of the Vwelding circuit.

Under the conditions stated, valves V6 and Vl are not supplied with anode voltage and, consequently, the energization .of transformers TIZ and T13 serves no purposeother than to supply the grid circuits of these valves withenergy.

The energization of transformer vTl supplies, through obviousvcircuits,energy to transformers T3, T4,'T5, T1 A.and Til. The energization vof transformer T3 applies .peaked potentials to the quently, the energization of transformer T3 serves 'only to conditionatlie system lfor operation. -As aforesaid, it will be y appreciated that the :points in successive half cycles at which thee-peaked potentials are applied are determined by the r radjustment of resistor RI relative to condenser Cl.

l Ufin usual practice, these adjusted to cause the peaked potentials to be api plied at approximately the power factor angle landete phase shift elements are of the Welding load circuit.

' The energization of transformer T5 enables this transformer to pass current through one of the paths afforded by the full wave rectier VII and charge up condenser C3, which action applies a negative or blocking bias to the grid of valve V2. In view of this negative bias, the energizaktion of transformer T4 is without effect. It will l' be noted that transformers T2 and T4 are oppositely connected to the source and, consequently, transformer T4 brings the anode of valve V2 to a positive value during successive negative half cycles of the source.

V`The energization of transformer T'I serves to energize transformer T8 which is associated with the grid circuit of valve V3. It is to be noted that transformers T3 and T8 are oppositely connected tothe source and, consequently, transformer T8 tends` to render valve V3 conductive during negative half cycles, The energization of transformer T8 serves only to prepare the sys- Y tem for operation. The energization of transformer TII applies anode potential to the counting valve V5, which action is without further effect since this valve is normally rendered non-conductive by the negative bias voltage of condenser C3.

Assuming it is desired to initiate a welding operation, and assuming further that the work has been properly positioned between the electrodes l and I2, the switch P may be closed. It will be understood that any usual means may be provided to cause the proper clamping of the work between the electrodes, and that any suitable manual or automatic means may be provided to effect the closure of switch P. Closure of switch P completes an obvious energizing circuit for the usual electromagnetically operable control relay CR, in response to which action, this relay assumes the energized position, closing its contact CRa and opening its contacts CRb and CRc. The opening of the latter contacts interrupts the norvmally complete discharge circuits for condensers C2 and C8, respectively, which discharge circuits serve, during idle periods, to ensure the full discharge of condensers C2 and C8. Closure of contact CRa completes an obvious energizing circuit for the primary winding of transformer T2, thereby enabling this transformer to apply anode potential to valve VI. It will be appreciated that closure of control relay c CR may occur at random relative to the periodicity of the source. If such closure occurs during 'a negative half cycle, or at a point in a positive half cycle which is later than the peaking point of transformer T3, such action is without effect until the peaking point in the next positive half v cycle is reached, When such point is reached, valve Vi becomes conductive and enables transbrings' the grid of valve V6 to a conductive valve,

Y enabling this valve to.

tween the cathode c and the igniter z' of the associated main rectifier MVI- In response to this igniting impulse, main rectier MVI becomes conductive and initiates a flow of current to the welding transformer WT.

Upon being rendered conductive, valve VI also enables transformer T2 to pass current through a series circuit which includes valve VI and valve V4 and the primary winding of transformer T6, thereby energizing transformer T6. Upon being energized, transformer T6 is enabled to pass current through the other path afforded by the full wave rectiner VII, and supply charging current to condenser C4. Condensers C3 and C4 are connected in opposition to each other and the p0- tential to which condenser C4 is charged is superior to that of condenser C3, During the positive half cycle in question, accordingly, condenser Ce becomes effective to render the grid of valve V 2 positive relative to the cathode thereof. During the positive half cycle in progress, however, auch action is without effect since the anode of valve V2 is negative.

At the conclusion of the positive half cycle of control voltage, transformer T4 brings the anode of valve V2 to a positive value. At this time condenser Cl! is still sumciently charged to maintain the grid of valve V2 at a conductive value. At the beginning of the negative half cycle immediately following the posit-ive half cycle in Which valve VI initiated the welding operation, accordingly, valve V2 is rendered conductive. This action enables transformer T4 to pass current through valve V2 and resistor RI2. As in the case of resistor RI I, resistor RIZ is proportioned to pass sufficient current to maintain valve V2 in a conductive condition until valve V? is rendered conductive. Valve V'I is rendered conductive, as will be understood, at that point in the negative half cycle for which the phase shift elements associated with transformer TI3 are adjusted. When this phase shift point is reached, transformer T93 brings the grid of valve V'I to a conductive value, thereby enabling transformer T4 to pass current through the series circuit which includes valves V2, V'I and transformer Tl. Upon being energized, transformer TIS applies a potential across resistor RIS which overcomes the negative bias normally applied to the grid of valve V9 through rectifier VI4. This action renders valve V9 conductive and enables it to apply an igniting potential between the cathode c and iginiter z' of the other main rectifier NW2. The application of this igniting potential renders rectier MV2 conductive and initiates the first negative half cycle of current ow to the welding circuit.

As thus far described. accordingly, the main rectier MVI has passed a portion of a positive half'cycle of current to the welding circuit and the main rectifier MV2 has passed a corresponding portion of the next successive negative half cycle of current to the Welding circuit,v the portions of said half cycles being determined by the adiustment of the potentiometer circuits associated with the phase shift transformers Tl 2 and TI3 and the'heat control valves V5 and Vfl'.-J

-rectier MVI. `rent delivered by transformer `high value to enable it to break breaks down, it serves to "valve VI 4 therein of transformer i25er-115,396

yAt a timein the. next positive half ,cyclel of the source which, as before, preferably corresponds 'to approximately the power factorangle of the Vload circuit, transformer T3 again applies a :peaked impulse to thelgrid of valve VI and again renders it conductive. This action again enables vtransformer T2 to pass an impulse of current .through the series circuit including valve VI and 'the now conductive valve VV4 and resistor RI I. Atthe liringpoint in suchpositive half cyclev determined'by theadjustment ofthe heat control circuits .associated with the V,grid of valve V6, also, this valve V6 is again rendered conductive,

enabling current from'transformer T2 to pass therethrough and energize transformer TIA again.. As before, this action again fires the main A portion of the impulse of cur- T2 also energizes transformer T5, enabling it to recharge condenser C4' to a value high enough to' overcome the negative biasingeffecbon valve V2, of condenser C3. At or-near the beginning of the next negatransformer T4 is This action,-as soon as valve VI is rendered conductive, .enables transformer T4 to energize transformer TI5, resulting in the ignition of the other mainrectiiler MV2. It will be appreciated from the foregoing that, subject only to the controllingv effect of condenser C2 and of valves V3, V4 and V5, and the associated elements. described below, the timing valves VI and V2 and the associated heat control valves V6 and V'I remain continuously effective to cause flow of current to the welding circuit in successive positive and negative half cycles.

Considering now the means'for controlling the length of each pulse of current which is delivered to the welding circuit during the vcourse of an over-all welding period, it will be recognized that condenser C2 is connected across transformer T2, in series with valve VI, rectifier VIB and the control' resistor R3. Each impulseof current passed by valve VI, accordingly, adds an incremental charge to condenser C2. A predetermined number of these incremental charges corresponding to the number of cycles which it is "desired to .include in each pulse of current to the welding circuit, and which charging rate and number may be'variably determined by adjusting'resistor R3, brings the charge 'on condenser C3 to a sufficiently down the glow discharge valve VI5. It will be noted that this valve is continuously connected across condenser C2, in series with thesecondary winding of transformer T3 and the parallel-connected, auxiliary condenser 2!! and resistor'22. When Valve VI5 directly couple the negative plate of condenser C2 to the grid of valve VI. The resultant negative biasing effect on of condenser C2 'is sufficient to render from transformer T3 succeeding 'peaked impulses- It will be appreciated ineffective to fire valve V I.

. :no yeffect on the now to thewelding circuit of the that if the breakdown of valve VI5 .occurs in a y before the peaking point T3, such action prevents the firing of valve Vi` when such 4peaking point is reached, and so interrupts the deliveryof welding current at the conclusion of the negative half positive half cycle but cycle of current flow which immediately preceded the positive half cycle in question. On the other positive half cycle, but at ,a time whichis later than the peaking pointfthereinior-if it occurs during a negatiVehaIfcycle, such breakdown has hand, if the breakdown of valve Vl occurs in a above, transformer TII is out ofv y transformer .T2 and, consequently, this .trans- A :positive Vor :negative half -cycle of current then vin-.progress, `but does result .in terminating `the iiow of welding current at `the end ofsuch negative half cycle. .Condenser C2 is thus effective to terminate the iiowof welding current at the conclusion of a negativehalf Vcycle and ,thus limits the-first pulse of welding vcurrent to Yan vequal vnumber of positive Yand negative half cycles.

Considering now themeans .for determining therlength ofthe offperiod or cool period which intervenes'betweensuccessive pulses, it will be :recognized that formerIIS is connected across transformer T2 in `series-with valve VI. ,Each impulse of current the pri-mary winding of transpassed by valve VI, consequently, enables transformer T9 to applya charging potentialto condenser C6, through the continuously conductive `rectifier VIZ. preferably such that the initial impulse passed by The constants of this circuit are transformer T9y Vduring theiirst positive half `cycle Yof weldingcurrent ow, brings condenser C6 to -its fully charged value. When so .fully charged, .condenser C6 applies a negative bias between the grid and cathode of the associated -valve V3, thereby rendering'it non-conductive. At the conclusionof the rst pulse of current, as determined .by the breakdown of the glow dis- Acharge valve'VI5, described above, valve VI'becomes ineffective to transmit further impulses to transformer T9 and the energy stored in condenser C5 is, consequently, enabled to discharge Ythrough the local circuit including resistor R1,

the rate of discharge being determined, of course, by the adjustment of this circuit.

The grid-cathode potential of valve V3 is the algebraic sum of the voltages of condenser C6 and transformer T8, which transformer tends to render valve V3 conductive during negative half cycles, and the voltage whereof is relatively low in comparison to the fully charged voltage of condenser C6. During each negative half cycle of its voltage, accordingly, transformer T8 tends to render valve V3 conductive and, when the discharge of condenser C6 has progressed to a predetermined degree, is enabled to do so. When valve V3 vis rendered conductive, as aforesaid, condenser C2 is enabled to discharge through the local circuit which includes valve V3 and resistor 24. The constants of this circuitare preferably soV chosen that the complete discharge of condenser'CZA is enabled to take place during the negative half cycle in which valveV3 is rendered conductive.

At the peaking point in the next positive half cycle, accordingly, transformer'TB is again enabled to 're'valve VI and initiate the second pulse of current to the welding circuit, which pulseproceeds as described above. Such pulse is also terminatedy as before, by the action ofY Icondenser .C2 andthe resultant cool period is also of predetermined length. Considering now. the means for determining the :over-allnumber of pulses tohbe included in the over-all `welding period, itwillbe noted that the ,countingvalve V15 is continuously supplied with As` stated phase with anode potential by. transformer vTI I.

former tendslto'render valve V5 conductive'during each negative half cycle of each successive weldingv current pulse and each successive off or cool interval. Valve V is, however, normally biased to a non-conductive condition by the continuously charged condenser C3 associated with valve V2, it ,being noted that the grid circuit of valve V5 includes this condenser in series rela-- tion with the control transformer' T! The primary winding of transformer TID is directly connected across the previously mentioned resistor 24 associated with the anode circuit of valve V3 and condenser C2. During the nal negative half cycle of each off or cool period (between successive pulses),` when condenser C2 discharges through valve V3, it builds up a potential across resistor 24. This potential energizes transformer T@ and enables it to overcome the biasing effecten valve V5 of condenser C3. When valve V5 is so rendered conductive, transformer Tl is enabled to pass an impulse of current therethrough.

The counting condenser C8 is connected across transformer TH in series with valve V5 and the adjusting potentiometer R8. Each such impulse of current through valve V5 thus adds an incremental charge to condenser C8 and, at the eX- piration of a predetermined number of welding pulses and cool periods, this charge reaches a value suiiicient to break down the glow discharge valve Vl6, which valve is connected across condenser C8 in series with the parallel-connected resistor R9, condenserC'l and the grid cathode circuit of valve V4. When this action occurs, condenser C8 is enabled to apply a blocking negative bias to the grid of valve V4. Since the successive increments of charging current are supplied to condenser CS during negative half cycles, it will be appreciated that the break-down of valve ViS and the consequent biasing oli of valve V4 occur vduring a negative half cycle, which half cycle is also the iinal half cycle of the last cool period in the over-ail welding period.

During the positive half cycle which immediately follows the negative half cycle in which the blocking of valve V4 occurs, and which would normally be the initial half cycle of the next succeeding pulse of current to the welding circuit, transformer T3 is again enabled to fire valve VI, tending to initiate another pulse of welding current. In this Case, however, by virtue of the blocked condition of valve Vd, transformer T2 is g unable to deliver current to resistor RII or to valve V6. Valve V4 thus serves to render the conductive condition of valve VI ineffective to initiate another pulse. the charging up of condenser C4 associated with the grid circuit of the trailing valve V2 is controlled by valve V4, since the primary circuit for transformer TE, through which condenser C4 derives charging current, includes the anode circuit of valve V4. The `blocked condition oi valve V4, therefore, not only renders valve VI ineiective to cause the main rectiiierMVl to Ibe rendered conductive, but also renders the conductive conditioner this valve ineffective to condition the trailing valve V2 for operation.

Considering now the resetting of the system, in readiness for the next over-al1 welding period, it will be appreciated thata-ny suitable manual or automatic means may be provided to restore switch P to the open position. For example, in the' operation or seam welding apparatus for which the present system is well adapted, cam operated means responsive to the traverse oi the work relative tothe welding yelectrodes may be It will be recalled that utilized. The opening of switch P de-energizes control relay CRy which thereupon resumes the normal position, reopening contact CRa and reclosing contacts CRb and CRC. The reopening of contact CRa de-energizes transformer T2, con sequently preventing further operation of the system, as will be obvious. The reclosure of contact CRC completes a discharge circuit for condenser C8, which includes resistor Rit, thereby restoring condenser C8 to a fully discharged condition. Closure of contact CRD completes a discharge ycircuit for condenser C2, which includes resistor R2, thereby insuring the fully discharged condition of condenser C2. Condenser C6, which determines the length of the cool interval, is provided with a continuously complete discharge circuit and reaches a substantially fully discharged condition in terminating the final cool interval, as aforesaid. Also, condenser C6 is immediately fully recharged at the beginning of the iirst pulse of welding current in an over-al1 welding period. For these reasons, although suitable means may be provided, if desired, to insure the full discharge of condenser C6 upon release of relay CR, such means are usually not necessary.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the number of half cycles to be included in each pulse is widely variable by suitably adjusting resistor R3 to control the charging rate of condenser C2. justment of the cool interval, which may be varied by adjusting resistor R1 associated with condenser Cii. In connection with very short impulses, oi the order, for example, of one full cycle of the source, it is to be noted that while condenser C4, which is charged during, the positive half cycle of` such a pulse, remains suiciently charged at the beginning of the succeeding negative impulse to render valve VZ conductive, the charge on condenser C4 leaks off at a suiiiciently fast rate so that this condenser is ineffective to render valve V2 conductive except during the negative half cycle which immediately follows a positive half cycle in which valves Vl and V4 have passed current.

It will be appreciated, further, that the number of pulses making up an over-all welding period may also be varied between relatively wide limits by suitably adjusting the potentiometer resistor R8, which correspondingly controls the charging rate of the counting condenser C8.

Summarizing, further, it will be recognized that the heat control circuits associated with valves V and V7 are adjustable over a relatively wide range, so as to vary the fraction of half cycles which are passed to the welding circuit from full heat to a relatively minor fraction oi full heat. It will be recalled that resistors RI l and R12 sustain current iiow through valves Vl and V4 and I through valve V2, respectively, during the portions of corresponding positive and negative half cycles which intervene between the instants at which valves VI and V2 and valves V6 and V1, respectively', are rendered conductive.

In certain instances, it is desirable to eliminate the automatic control oi the over-all number of impulses to be included in each welding period.'

As illustrated7 this may be accomplished by opening switch 3G, associated with the primary wind' ing of transformer TH, which action prevents` the charging up of the counting condenser C8 and, consequently, leaves valve V4 in a continuously conductive condition. condenser C7 and resistor R9, associated with the grid circnitV of valve V4, are normally utilized` Similar comments apply to the ad- It will be noted that to tie the grid of this valve to the cathode thereof during the interval prior to the breakdown of the glowdischarge valve VIS. It will be understood that during the course o welding periods greater in length than would desirably be afforded by the integrating circuits comprising valve V and condenser C8, condenser C1 could' be eX- pected to build up a charge which might become high enough to block valve V4. To obviate such possibility, it is preferred to provide an additional switch 32, which may be and preferably is mechanically interlocked with switch 3!) so that when switch 3B occupies the open position, switch 32 occupies the closed position and vice versa. Switch 32, when closed, directly ties the grid of valve' V4 to the cathode thereoiand, as will be understood, serves to maintain this valve in a continuously conductive condition.

Itis noted that in the present system the potentiometers associated with the heat control resistors REZ and RIG are shown as independently and manually controlled. It will be understood` that, if' desired, these potentiometer taps may be tied together for simultaneous operation and that infurther accordance with the disclosure of the above identified Undy application, means may be provided to cause an automatic or progressive adjustment of the heat setting during the course of each welding impulse.

Although only a single specific embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, it will be appreciated thatvarious modifications in the form, number and arrangement of the parts may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is` claimed is:

l. In a system for controlling the flow of current between a load circuit and a source of pulsating current, a main electric valve interposed between said source and said circuit and operable to pass successive pulsations of said source, and a control networkfor controlling said valve so as to enable it to pass current during a iirst predetermined number of successive pulsations and to restrain flow of current during a succeeding second predetermined number of successive pulsations, said network including a control valve, control means actuable to alter the conductive condition of saidcontrol valve during each oi said rst number of pulsations, means rendering said main valve operably` responsive. to each such alteration, timing means operable as a consequence ofthe altered conductive condition of said control valve for preventing said alteration during each 0f said second number of pulsations, and additional timing means for rendering said rst timing means ineffective at the end of said second number of pulsations.

2. In a system for controlling the ilo-w of current between a load circuit'and a source of pulsating current, a main electric valve interposed between `said source and said circuit and operable to pass successive pulsations of said source, and a control network for controlling said valve so as to enable it to pass current during a first predetermined. number of successive pulsations and to restrain flow of current during a succeeding. second predetermined number of successive pulsations, said network including a control valve, control means actuable to alter the conductive condition of said control valve during' each of said first number of pulsations, means rendering said main valve operably responsive to each such alteration, timing means operable as a consequence of the altered conductive condition of said' control valve for preventing said alteration during each of said second number of pulsations, and additional timing means'for rendering said rst timing means ineiective at the end'oi said second number of pulsations, said iirst timing means including an energy sto-ragef device disposed to receive an incremental charge duringl each said pulsation ofisaid iirst prede.- termined number.

3. In a system forcontrolling the iiow of current between a load circuit and a source of pulsating current, a main electric valve interposed between said source and said circuit and operable to pass successive pulsations of said source,

i and a control network for controlling saidV valve during each oi said second number of pulsations, and additional timing means for rendering Isaid first timing means ineffective at the end of said second number of pulsations.

4. In a system for controlling the now of current between a load circuit and a source of pulsating current, a main electric valve interposed between said source and said circuit and operable to pass successive pulsations of said source, and a control network for controlling said valve so as to enable it to pass current during a first predetermined `number of successive pulsations and to restrain flow of current during a succeeding second predetermined number of successive pulsations, said network including a control valve, control means actuable to render said control valve conductive during each of said first number of pulsations, means causing said main valve to pass current in each pulsation in.

Which said control valve passes current, timing means operable as a co-nsequence of the passage -of currentby said control valve for prevent'- ing conduction through said control valve during each of said second number of pulsations, and additional timing means for rendering said first timing means inefectiveat the end of said second number of pulsations, said rst timing means including an energy storage device dis-- posed to receive an incremental charge during each said pulsation of said rst predetermined y number.

5. In a system for controlling the ow of current between a load circuit and a source of pulsating current, a main electric valve interposed between said source and said circuit and operable-to pass successive pulsations of said source,

and a control network for controlling said valvev so as to enable it to pass current during a first predetermined number of successive pulsations and to restrain now of current during a succeeding second predetermined number of successive pulsations, said network including a control valve, control means actuable to. render said control valve conductive during each ofl said iirst number of pulsations, means causing said main valve to pass current in eachv pulsation in which said control valve passes current, timing means operable as a consequence ofthe pas-` the saidl pulsations of said first predetermined number; v

6. In a system for controllingthe flow of cr- Y rentv between a load circuit anda sourceof pulsating current,a main electric valve interposed" between -said source and said circuit'andoperable to pass successive 'pulsations of said source, and a control network for controllingw said valve so' as to enable it to pass current during a rst predetermined number of Vsuccessive pulsations andto restrain iiow of current during a 'succeeding second predetermined number of successive pulsations, said network including a control valve, control `means actua-ble to alter the conductive conditioner said control valve during" each of said rst number of pulsations, means rendering said'main valve operably responsive to such condition, timing means operable asa consequence of thealtered conductive condition of vsaid control valve for preventing said alteration during each of said second number of pulsations, additional vtiming means for rendering said rst timing means ineffective at the end of said second number of pulsations said first timing means including an energy storage device disposed to receive an incremental charge during `each said pulsation of said rst predetermined number, and said additional timing means including energy storage means disposed to be charged as a consequence of the operation of said control means, the discharge period ofv said storage means determining the number f said second pulsations.

7. In a system for controlling the flow of current between a`load circuit and a source of pulsating current, a main electric valve interposed between said source and said circuit and operable to pass successive pulsations of said source, and a control network for controlling said vvalve so as tovenable it to pass current during a first predetermined number 0i successive pulsations to restrain iiow ofV current during asucceeding second predetermined number of successive pulsations, said network including a rst control valve, control means actuable to render said rst control valve conductive during each of said first number of pulsations, means causing said main valve to pass current in each pulsation in which said rst control valve passes current, timing means operable as a consequence of the actuation of said control means for preventing conduction through. said first contro-l valve during each of said second number of pulsations, additional tlming means for rendering said first timing means ineiective Vat the end-of said second number of pulsations, said first timing means including an energy storage device disposed to receive an incremental charge'during each said pulsation of said first predetermined number, said additional:

timing means comprising an energy storagev device disposed to be charged by a iiow of current through said rst control valve, and means coupling said last-mentioned storage device to said rst timing means-so" that the discharge period thereof determines the Vnumber of Asaid second pulsations.

8. In a control system for controlling the flow of current between a loadwcircuit and a source of pulsating current, the combination of a main" electric valve interposed between said source and said circuit and disposedvto pass successive pulsations of said source, and a control network for controlling the passage of current through said main valve, said network comprising a pair of electric control valves each having anode cathode circuits, said anode-cathode circuits being connected in series relation with each other and being supplied with pulsating current, means rendering one of said control valves normally non-conductive Vand the other `normally conductive, timing meansr for rendering said one control valve conductive during selected said pulsations, and additional timing means rendering the other control valve non-conductive after said rst control valve has passed current during a predetermined number of said pulsations.

9. In a control system for controlling the ow of current between a load circuit and a source of pulsating current, the combination of a main electric valve interposed between said source and said circuit and disposed to pass successive pulsations of said source, and a control network for controlling the passage of current through said main valve, said network comprising a pair of electric control valves each having anode-cathode circuits, said anode-cathode circuits being connected in series relation with each other and being supplied with pulsating current, means rendering one of said control valves normally nonconductive and the other normally conductive,

timing means for rendering said one control valve conductive during selected said pulsations, and additional timing means rendering the other control valve non-conductive after said rst control valve has passed current during a predetermined numberof said pulsations, said additional timing means including energy storage means disposed to be charged as a consequence of the now of current through said one control valve.

10. In a control system for controlling the ow of current between a load circuit and a source of pulsating current, the combination of a main electric valve interposed between said source and said circuit and disposed to pass successive pulsations of said source, and a control network for controlling the passage of current through said main Valve, said network comprising a pair of electric control valves each having anode-v cathode circuits, said anode-cathode circuits being connected in series relation with each other and `being supplied with pulsating current, means rendering one of said control valves normally non-conductive and the other normally conductive, timing means for rendering said one control valve conductive during selected said pulsating current, the combination of a main electricfvalve interposed between said source and saidcircuit and disposed to pass successive pulrendering one of said control valves normally non-conductive and the other normally'conductive, timing means for rendering said one control valve conductive during selected said pulsations,v

additional timing means rendering the other control valve non-conductive after said lirst control valve has passed current during a predeterminedv number of said pulsations, said timing means includingl means for causing said one control valve topass current during successive on periodsand to restrain such passage during interveningv oi periods, each said period including at least one said pulsation, and said additional timing means including means disposed to receive an incremental charge during each said off period.

12.111 a control system for controlling the flow of` current between a load circuit and a source ofI alternating current, the combination of a pair of rectifiers interposed between said source and said load circuit and disposed to pass half cycles of respectively opposite polarity of said source, a. synchronizing network for said rectilers comprisingiirst and second control valves, said network further comprising control means for transmitting an impulse of current from said source through one of said control valvesduring successive half cycles of one polarity, means rendering the corresponding rectier operably responsive to each said impulse, means energized by each said impulse and being operably independent of the action of said corresponding rectier for conditioning said second control valve to pass current whereby to enable said source to transmit an impulse through said second control valve during each half cycle of opposite polarity which succeeds a half cycle of said one polarity in which a said first-mentioned impulse was transmitted, means rendering the other said rectifier operably responsive to each said impulse transmitted during a half cycle of said opposite polarity, a first timing means for rendering said control means ineffective after said rst control valve has passed a predetermined number of said impulses, and additional timing means for rendering said rst timing means ineffective.

13, In a control system for controlling the flow of current between a load circuit and a source of alternating current, the combination of a Pair of rectiners interposed between said source and said load circuit and disposed to pass half cycles of respectively opposite polarity of said source, a synchronizing network for said rectifiers comprising rst and second control valves, said network further comprising control means for transmitting anv impulse of current from said source through one of said control valves during successive half cycles of one polarity, means rendering the corresponding rectier operably responsive to each said impulse, means energized-by each said impulse and being operably independent of the action of'said corresponding rectier for conditioningl said second control valve to pass current whereby to enable said source to transmit an impulse through said second control valve during each half'cycle of opposite polarity which succeeds a half cycle of said one polarityfin which a said rst-mentioned impulse was transmitted, meansA rendering the other-saidrectiiier operably responsive to each said impulse transmitted dur. ing a half cycle of said opposite polarity, a rst timing means energized by flow of current through said rst control valve for rendering said control means ineiective, and additional timing means energized as a consequence of theflow ofV current through said first control valve for again rendering said control means eiective,

14. In a timing system having a source of alternating current, the combination of a rst valve having principal electrodes connected to said source and having a control electrode, a second valve having a control electrode and having principal electrodes electrically coupled to said first control electrode and one of said first principalelectrodes and eiective when rendered conductive to apply a starting potential between said first control electrode and said one principal electrode and thereby render said rst valve conductive, means for successively applying a potential in predetermined time phase relation to said source to said second control electrode to successively. render the second valve conductive, means in-V cluding an energy storage device charged by ilow of current between said principal electrodes of said second valve, means coupling said last mentioned means to said second control electrode so as to apply the charged potential of said device'to saidsecond control electrode, and timing means for completing a discharge circuit for said device.

l5. In a timing system having a source of a1- ternating current, the combination of a rst valve having principal electrodes connected to said source and having a control electrode, a second valve having a control electrode land having principal electrodes electrically coupled to said iirst control electrode and one of said first principal electrodes and eiective when rendered conductive to apply a starting potential between said first control electrode and said one principal electrode and thereby render said first valve conductive, means for successively applying a potential in predetermined time phase relation to said source to said second control electrode to successively ren.

der the secondlvalve conductive, means including A an energy storage device charged by llow of current between said principal electrodes of said second valve, means coupling said last mentioned means to said second control electrode so as to apply the charged potential of said device to said second control electrode, said charged potential rendering said second valve non-conductive, and

timing means operable as a consequence of said.

application for completing a discharge circuit for said device whereby to again render said second Valve conductive.

16. In a timing system having asource of alternating current, the combination of a first valve having principal electrodes connected to said. source and having a control electrode, a second valve having a controlelectrode and havingprincipal electrodes electrically coupled to said first control electrode and one of said rst principal,

electrodes and effective when rendered conductive to apply-a starting potential between said rst control electrode and said one principal electrode andv thereby render said rst valve conductive,

means for successively applying a potential in` ,predetermined time phase relation to said source' to said second control electrode to successively render the second valve conductive, means includ; ing an energy storage device charged byfflow of current between said principal electrodes off said; vsecond valve, means: coupling-Said last mentioned,

said rst device, whereby to again render said 10 second valve conductive.

GUSTAV E. UNDY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,303,453 Gulliksen Dec. 1, 1943 2,232,541 Levoy, Jr Feb. 18, 1941 2,340,077 Pearson et al Jan. 25, 1944 2,046,712 Washburn July 7, 1936 2,081,987 Dawson June 1, 1937 

